PM's authority draining away as Government reputation reaches crisis point

3.55.24pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Jun 2006

Blair reaches crisis point

Charles Clarke has said the Labour Government is lacking leadership and direction because Tony Blair has lost his sense of purpose. The former Home Secretary has spoken of the Government becoming becalmed and in an attack on his successor John Reid said Mr Blair's decision to sack him has stalled Home Office reform.

Sir Menzies Campbell said "It is clear that the Prime Minister's authority is simply draining away. This is no longer merely a question of the interests of the Labour Party, but the interests of the country. How can senior civil servants be expected to deal with vital political issues when there is such uncertainty at the heart of government?"